difficulties in relationships<\/strong>\u2014while other features vary more widely.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Read More About the DSM Criteria for BPD” open_toggle_text_color=”#1F2B8E” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” open_icon_color=”#79A2E6″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”18px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”5px||0px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”18px” title_font_size_phone=”17px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 8px;||}” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” border_color_bottom=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”]<\/p>\n
We describe the 9 diagnostic criteria in ways that reflect lived experience, research findings, and the emotional processes beneath them<\/strong>. These features are interconnected and understood as patterns that develop over time, rather than as isolated behaviors or emotional reactions.<\/p>\n1. Intense Fear of Abandonment<\/strong><\/h4>\nA strong sensitivity to real or perceived rejection, distance, or loss of connection. This may lead to heightened emotional responses or urgent efforts to maintain closeness, especially during moments of stress or uncertainty.<\/p>\n
2. Unstable or Rapidly Changing Relationships<\/strong><\/h4>\nRelationships may feel intense, emotionally charged, or unpredictable. Shifts in closeness often reflect emotional vulnerability and sensitivity to perceived changes in others\u2019 availability or responsiveness.<\/p>\n
3. Unstable Sense of Self or Identity<\/strong><\/h4>\nDifficulty maintaining a consistent sense of self, values, or goals. This may include self-doubt, fluctuating self-esteem, or uncertainty about one\u2019s identity or direction in life.<\/p>\n
4. Impulsive or Self-Damaging Behaviors<\/strong><\/h4>\nImpulsive actions\u2014such as risky behaviors, substance use, or spending\u2014often occur in response to overwhelming emotions. These behaviors are typically attempts to manage distress rather than intentional self-harm.<\/p>\n
5. Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm Behaviors<\/strong><\/h4>\nRecurrent thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or related behaviors may emerge during periods of intense emotional pain. These are best understood as signals of distress and efforts to cope, not attention-seeking.<\/p>\n
6. Intense and Rapidly Shifting Emotions<\/strong><\/h4>\nEmotions may escalate quickly, feel extremely painful, and take longer to settle. Mood shifts are often reactive to environmental or interpersonal triggers rather than occurring in discrete episodes.<\/p>\n
7. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness or Low Self-Worth<\/strong><\/h4>\nMany individuals experience persistent feelings of inner emptiness, worthlessness, or emotional numbness. Others describe this more as low self-esteem, harsh self-judgment, or a lack of inner stability.<\/p>\n
8. Difficulty with Anger or Intense Emotional Expression<\/strong><\/h4>\nStrong emotional reactions\u2014sometimes expressed as anger\u2014can occur when emotions feel overwhelming. Research and clinical experience show that shame is often more central and more common than anger, even when anger is more visible.<\/p>\n
……………………………………………….<\/p>\n
A Note on Anger and Shame<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nProblems with anger are included in the DSM description of BPD, and anger can certainly be present. However, research and clinical experience suggest that shame is often far more common and more central than anger for many individuals with BPD.<\/em><\/p>\nAnger is more visible and therefore more likely to be emphasized, while shame is frequently internalized and overlooked. Understanding this distinction is important for reducing stigma and for providing care that addresses the emotions people with BPD experience most intensely.<\/em><\/p>\n……………………………………………….<\/em><\/p>\n9. Stress-Related Changes in Thinking or Perception<\/strong><\/h4>\nDuring periods of high stress or emotional overload, individuals may experience transient paranoia, dissociation, or difficulty thinking clearly. These experiences are typically short-lived and closely tied to emotional intensity.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How Clinicians Evaluate Symptoms” open_toggle_text_color=”#1F2B8E” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” open_icon_color=”#79A2E6″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”18px” admin_label=”Toggle” module_id=”evaluation” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”18px” title_font_size_phone=”17px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 8px;||}” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” border_color_bottom=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”]<\/p>\n
Clinicians use standardized diagnostic guides\u2014the DSM and ICD\u2014to make diagnoses.\u00a0 These guides list diagnostic criteria\u2014put more simply, possible signs of BPD\u2014and identify what\u2019s required to make a formal diagnosis. Under the DSM a diagnosis requires any five of the nine signs<\/strong>. A clinical assessment may involve:<\/p>\n\n- A detailed clinical interview<\/strong> exploring current concerns, emotional experiences, relationships, and developmental history<\/li>\n
- Review of symptom history and duration<\/strong> to determine whether difficulties have been present over time and across situations<\/li>\n
- Evaluation of emotional, relational, and behavioral patterns<\/strong>, rather than individual behaviors in isolation<\/li>\n
- Consideration of alternative or co-occurring diagnoses<\/strong>, given the overlap between many mental health conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clinicians assess whether these patterns are:<\/p>\n
\n- Persistent<\/strong> over time<\/li>\n
- Pervasive<\/strong> across contexts<\/li>\n
- Associated with meaningful impairment<\/strong> in functioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Understanding how diagnosis is made helps shift the focus away from labels and toward the underlying patterns that matter most. Regardless of how diagnostic language evolves, the challenges associated with chronic emotion dysregulation and relational instability remain real and require effective, compassionate care.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How the DSM\u2019s Description of BPD Has Changed Over Time” open_toggle_text_color=”#1F2B8E” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” open_icon_color=”#79A2E6″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”18px” admin_label=”Toggle” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”18px” title_font_size_phone=”17px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 8px;||}” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” border_color_bottom=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”]<\/p>\n
The DSM has described borderline personality disorder (BPD) for more than four decades. While the way BPD is classified and discussed has evolved, the core understanding of the condition has remained largely consistent.<\/p>\n
DSM-III (1980):<\/strong> First formal definition.<\/em> BPD was officially introduced as a diagnosis in DSM-III. This marked the first time it was clearly defined using specific criteria rather than vague or theoretical descriptions.<\/p>\nAt this stage, BPD was described as a pattern of:<\/p>\n
\n- Intense and unstable relationships<\/li>\n
- Strong and rapidly changing emotions<\/li>\n
- Impulsive behaviors<\/li>\n
- Unstable sense of self<\/li>\n
- Stress-related symptoms such as paranoia or dissociation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This edition established BPD as a distinct condition rather than something \u201cin between\u201d other diagnoses.<\/p>\n
DSM-IV (1994):<\/strong> Clarifying without major changes.<\/em> In DSM-IV, the basic description of BPD stayed the same. The manual continued to list nine characteristics, with a diagnosis made when any five were present.<\/p>\nThe language was refined and clarified, and the overall understanding of BPD did not change. The emphasis remained on long-standing patterns of emotional, relational, and behavioral instability.<\/p>\n
DSM-5 (2013) and DSM-5-TR (2022):<\/strong> Same criteria, new context.<\/em>\u00a0In DSM-5, the formal criteria for BPD stayed exactly the same as in DSM-IV. What changed was the broader context:<\/p>\n\n- Personality disorders were no longer placed in a separate category from other mental health conditions<\/li>\n
- The DSM introduced an alternative model<\/em> that looks at personality functioning and traits, though this model is optional and not used for most diagnoses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Despite ongoing discussion about new ways to describe personality disorders, the original BPD criteria remain the primary diagnostic standard.<\/p>\n
DSM-6 (Future):<\/strong> Ongoing discussion.<\/em> Researchers and clinicians continue to explore more dimensional and less stigmatizing ways to describe personality and emotional difficulties, and any future updates, including a potential name change for borderline personality disorder, remain in development.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What Has Stayed the Same” open_toggle_text_color=”#1F2B8E” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” open_icon_color=”#79A2E6″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”18px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”18px” title_font_size_phone=”17px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 8px;||}” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” border_color_bottom=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”]<\/p>\n
Across all DSM editions, BPD has consistently been understood as involving:<\/p>\n
\n- Chronic difficulty regulating emotions<\/li>\n
- Instability in relationships and self-image<\/li>\n
- Patterns that develop over time, not isolated behaviors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While diagnostic language and structure may change, the lived experience and underlying challenges associated with BPD have remained clearly recognized.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Section” module_id=”diagnostic-criteria-areas-of-dysregulation” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|44px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_popup_slug=”diagnostic-criteria-areas-of-dysregulation” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”How The 9 Diagnostic Criteria and the 5 Areas of Dysregulation Fit Together” admin_label=”Heading” module_id=”DSM-CED” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.2em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The diagnostic criteria of BPD are best understood as\u00a0<\/span>different expressions of chronic emotion dysregulation<\/strong>. Ongoing difficulty managing emotions can affect:<\/p>\n\n- \n
\n- Feelings and mood<\/li>\n
- Actions and impulses<\/li>\n
- Thoughts and perceptions<\/li>\n
- Relationships with others<\/li>\n
- Sense of self and identity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Understanding how these criteria fit together helps explain why symptoms often cluster and why focusing on emotion regulation is central to effective treatment.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\n\n\n| DSM CRITERION (Official Language)<\/b><\/td>\n | CLEAR DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE<\/b><\/td>\n | PRIMARY AREA(S) OF DYSREGULATION<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment<\/b><\/td>\n | Heightened sensitivity to rejection or perceived loss of connection; strong emotional reactions when closeness feels threatened<\/span><\/td>\n | \n Interpersonal Dysregulation
<\/span>Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships<\/b><\/td>\n | Relationships may feel emotionally intense, shift quickly, or become strained due to emotional sensitivity and fear of disconnection<\/span><\/td>\n | Interpersonal Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self<\/b><\/td>\n | Difficulty maintaining a stable sense of identity, values, or self-worth; frequent self-doubt or uncertainty about who one is<\/span><\/td>\n | Self Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging<\/b><\/td>\n | Impulsive behaviors used to manage overwhelming emotions, such as risky actions, spending, or substance use<\/span><\/td>\n | Behavioral Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior<\/b><\/td>\n | Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors that emerge during intense emotional distress as attempts to cope or find relief<\/span><\/td>\n | \n Behavioral Dysregulation
<\/span>Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Affective instability due to marked reactivity of mood<\/b><\/td>\n | Emotions that escalate quickly, feel extremely intense, and are difficult to regulate or settle<\/span><\/td>\n | Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Chronic feelings of emptiness<\/b><\/td>\n | Persistent feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, low self-esteem, or lack of inner stability; difficulty trusting one\u2019s own experience<\/span><\/td>\n | Self Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger<\/b><\/td>\n | Strong emotional reactions under stress; anger may be visible, though shame is often more central and internalized<\/span><\/td>\n | Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms<\/b><\/td>\n | Temporary changes in thinking or perception during high stress, such as dissociation or mistrust, linked to emotional overload<\/span><\/td>\n | Cognitive Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n When viewed through the lens of the five areas of dysregulation, the nine DSM criteria for BPD form a coherent and understandable pattern. They are not separate or unrelated problems; they are different expressions of underlying difficulties\u2014most centrally, severe and chronic emotion dysregulation.<\/p>\n Emotional sensitivity and reactivity influence how individuals experience relationships, respond to stress, make decisions, and understand themselves. Recognizing how these patterns fit together helps explain why symptoms often cluster and why effective treatment focuses on strengthening emotion regulation, supporting identity development, and fostering stable, compassionate relationships.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n\n\n| \n DSM CRITERION:<\/span>
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment<\/b><\/p>\nHeightened sensitivity to rejection or perceived loss of connection; strong emotional reactions when closeness feels threatened<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nPrimary Area(s) of Dysregulation:
<\/strong>\u2022 Interpersonal Dysregulation
<\/span><\/b>\u2022 Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| \n DSM CRITERION:
<\/span>A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships<\/b><\/p>\nRelationships may feel emotionally intense, shift quickly, or become strained due to emotional sensitivity and fear of disconnection<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nPrimary Area(s) of Dysregulation:
<\/strong><\/span><\/b>\u2022 Interpersonal Dysregulation<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| \n DSM CRITERION:<\/span>
<\/span><\/b>Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self<\/b><\/p>\nDifficulty maintaining a stable sense of identity, values, or self-worth; frequent self-doubt or uncertainty about who one is<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nPrimary Area(s) of Dysregulation:<\/strong>
<\/b>\u2022 Self Dysregulation<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| \n DSM CRITERION:<\/span>
Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging<\/b><\/p>\nImpulsive behaviors used to manage overwhelming emotions, such as risky actions, spending, or substance use<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nPrimary Area(s) of Dysregulation:<\/strong>
<\/b>\u2022 Behavioral Dysregulation<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| \n DSM CRITERION:<\/span>
Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior<\/b><\/p>\nSuicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors that emerge during intense emotional distress as attempts to cope or find relief<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nPrimary Area(s) of Dysregulation:<\/strong>
<\/b>\u2022 Behavioral Dysregulation
\u2022 Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |